In 2007 the world thought Lewis Hamilton a prodigy. Third on his debut aged 22, he missed out on the drivers' title in his first season by one point. When he dramatically clinched it in 2008 – Felipe Massa crossed the line believing himself to be the winner, only for the McLaren driver to nick fifth and the crown – an era of Schumacher-style dominance seemed feasible.

But where is he now? Still with the team who nurtured him from 13 but with a sequence of only fifth-fourth-fifth in the drivers' standings since that second-season triumph.

No longer the role model for a generation, he has been accused of dangerous driving and become tabloid fodder over his relationship with Nicole Scherzinger. Every time he delivers a flash of brilliance – as in last year's Chinese GP – the questions over why he has not triumphed since begin again. Yet he remains fiercely competitive. A strong start to the season and early momentum will be essential to his campaign.

2009

Highs: MBE in the New Year honours, brilliant win in Budapest.

Lows: Pit-stop blunder prevents a win in Valencia. Refuses to blame his team, saying: "We win and we lose together."